Richie Benaud’s baggy green fetches nearly $15,000

Sydney, Nov 5 (IANS) Former Australian cricket captain Richie Benaud’s coveted baggy green cap fetched nearly $15,000 at an auction in Melbourne Wednesday.The baggy green of Benaud, who captained Australia in 28 Tests and in 1963 became the first player to complete the Test double of 200 wickets and 2,000 runs, was sold to an Australian private collector for 21,000 Australian dollars, including a buyer’s premium of 15 percent.

Benaud’s cap, from the 1957-58 tour of South Africa, was owned by the team manager on the tour, Jack Norton.

Benaud, a Test cricket all-rounder, has become one of the most highly regarded commentators since his retirement from international cricket in 1964.

“He is arguably the most influential person in world cricket, not only as an inspirational player and leader but through his work as a commentator for the Nine Network and the BBC,” auctioneer Charles Leski said.

Loxton was part of Sir Don Bradman’s “Invincibles” lineup that went through the 1948 tour of England undefeated.

“A baggy green from the ‘Invincibles’ era is rarely offered for sale. To possess one from the dream team that humiliated the English is considered a jewel in the crown, especially on the 60th anniversary of that remarkable tour. That’s why this baggy green is so highly prized,” Leski said.

Last month, Donald Bradman’s first Test Cricket bat went under the hammer, fetching a record price of $99,801. Much to the relief of many in Australia, it was snapped up by an Australian bidder.

With wide interest in the auction from overseas, including India, it was feared the bat, signed by the entire 1928-29 Australian and English teams, could end up overseas.